Hawke On Birds
By Fred Larsen – Special to SUNonline/Orillia
Saturday, nature groups across the country will bring their communities together, virtually and in-person, to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day. Locally, Bird Friendly Orillia, a collaboration between the Orillia Naturalists Club, Couchiching Conservancy, Green Orillia, Orillia Bee City and Sustainable Orillia are pleased to announce an exciting event for all those who share a love of the outdoors and the almost 300 bird species that can be found in and around our community.
On Saturday, May 14th at 7:00 p.m., well-known naturalist, photographer and columnist, David J. Hawke, will highlight some of the many birds that make Orillia their home base in an interactive Zoom event called The Birds of Orillia. The session is free and promises to be a feather and fun-filled way to learn about our local birdlife. It is also a wonderful way to introduce young people to the fascinating world of birds. You are invited to register here to receive your zoom link for the event.
The presentation will include practical suggestions to help birds survive and thrive in our area. Hawke will describe how, by understanding their habitat needs, we can assist with bird feeders, nesting boxes and the planting of sheltering and seed-bearing shrubs –creating a safer haven for our avian friends. David will be available for a question and answer session immediately following his presentation – an opportunity for participants to ask questions about specific birds in their neighbourhoods.
The event has been organized in support of certifying Orillia as a Bird Friendly City by Nature Canada. Similar to Orillia’s status as a Bee City, achieving certification as a Bird Friendly City reflects our community’s commitment to supporting birdlife and will generate greater awareness of the critical role birds play in pollination, insect control, and enriching our lives through their beauty and song. The work of a Bird Friendly City isn’t limited to celebrating World Migratory Bird Day. It is ongoing year-round. For continuing information and participation regarding local birds, birding and the work being done to earn certification as a bird friendly city, see their Facebook page.
David J. Hawke is an ecological consultant, well known to Orillians for the weekly nature column he has penned for over thirty years. His writings are widely read and have attracted interest around the world. An award-winning author, columnist and nature photographer, David has always drawn upon the natural environment for inspiration. Born and raised in Orillia, he has first-hand knowledge of the natural habitats that surround us: farmlands, wetlands, woodlands and urban habitats. He always has insights to share about the natural world around us.
(Photos by Swartz – SUNonline/Orillia and Supplied) Main: David Hawke in Algonquin Park.
